Rifampin for CSF shunt infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci

Abstract

COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTIONS are a common complication of cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery. It is reported that among 289 patients, shunt infections occurred in 27% and half of these infections were caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci? The use of r i fampin in conjunction with other antibiotics has been reported effective in the treatment of coagulase-negative staphylococcal infection of prosthetic valves and CSF shunts? We have observed two patients with coagulase-negative staphylococcal shunt infections who, after poor responses to other antibiotics, showed rapid improvement when rifampin was added to the antibiotic regimen. These patients illustrate the need for further investigation of this potentially valuable antibiotic for the treatment of coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections, especially when response to other therapy has been poor.